"We will have to wait and see and trust that existing legislation that prevails throughout the remainder of Queensland is sufficient.

"But unfortunately you just have to look at the Darling Downs or the Fitzroy River in central Queensland to see that existing legislation just isn't strong enough."

Environmental conditions 'strike the right balance'

However, Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Michael Roche says the Government's decision is an important opportunity for jobs and investment.

"The news coming out of the companies that are exploring that part of the country, mostly as I say happening on the South Australian side of the border, talk about billions of dollars of potential production that can be generated in that part of Queensland," he said.

Mr Roche says environmental conditions will strike the right balance.

"What we're talking about here with oil and gas developments is very small footprints for drilling and other infrastructure," he said.

"The vast majority of that area will remain untouched and protected, so I think this will be a good outcome."